Nritya, Nritta and Natya_A very important concept in dance

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A dancer needs to be equipped with different aspects of Abhinaya. While it is absolutely impossible to teach someone how to act, techniques of acting or abhinaya can definitely be induced in an actor. Practice with proper discipline over the period of time will ensure that the student can master these concepts.



Nritta is the first step towards the bigger picture. This includes only the physical movements in accordance to the specific style of the dance performed. This alone cannot evoke emotions. This is only the Angik Abhinaya.

Nritya is probably the second stage of Abhinya. This is basically the combination of Bhava and Rasas. This includes the Angik, Swatwik and Aharya Abhinaya.

Natya in sanskrit actually means drama. This has all the four types of Abhinaya - Angik, Vachik, Aharyam and Swatwik Abhinaya.


Angikam Bhuvanam Yasya Vachikam Sarvavamayam 
Aharyam Chandra Taraaditam Namaham Satvikam Shivam

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